OT: The New Math

It is possible that the girl was hired with the understanding that she is somehow limited. She may have ADD or some other impairment.

However there is much in what you say.

Inner city version

Elementary school 6th grade level, exit competency exam: Farmer Brown has 12 cows, and sell 5. How many cows does he have left?

11th Grade level, exit competency level: Farmer Brown has 12 cows, and sells 5 for $15 dollars each.
a) how many cows does he have left?
b) for extra credit; How much money did he receive?

Note: 40% of minority students (in Philadelphia) do not make it past the 8th grade level, but develop amazing business acumen:

Ruiz sells crack on his corner and nets an average of $4,000 per week.
Ruiz pays no rent but must maintain support personnel, at about $600.
Police take Ruiz down on a twice yearly average, with typical fine of $2,000 per incident. (Ruiz never goes to jail, because the jails here are too crowded and he is viewed as non-violent).

Graduate study: Build a business model for Ruiz, with assumed margins. Plot his break even point based on an average sales volume year.